Elizabeth stared at the piece of paper pressed deeply into her palm. She had awakened earlier than the rest of the household, having fallen asleep while the ball was still at its height. But despite the dryness of her mouth and desperate wish for a glass of water, she did not want to summon a servant yet. She felt that she must, instead, solve the mystery of the note she held. Undoing its many folds, she saw that the writing was clearly in a masculine hand, but lacked the finesse of a gentleman's script. There was no salutation or signature, yet Elizabeth had to read just one paragraph before she knew its source, and that it was clearly intended for her.

I pray you will forgive this latest intrusion upon your privacy, for when we parted, it was clear that you did not care for my company. Still, I have tonight asked my man to pen this note on my behalf in the hopes of alleviating some of the pain or uncertainty that accompanied our conversation.

First, I would like to warn you in the strongest possible terms against any further association with the officer with whom you planned to dance at the ball. He has a long connection with my family that dates back to my childhood, but in recent years he has lived an unfortunate life of dissipation and scandalous behaviour. If your own brief experience this evening was insufficient to persuade you, please take my word and the word of my cousin, as gentlemen, that - despite his appearance of goodness - the lieutenant is not to be trusted. My cousin will now do everything in his power to ensure that others in the neighbourhood are not taken in by this scoundrel's charm and pretty looks.

I will also tell you - and here I must rely on the same gracious confidentiality that you granted my presence in Hertfordshire - that the young relative of whom we had reason to speak is my sister, over whom I have had guardianship since the death of our esteemed father, and now you can perhaps understand my reluctance to engage in a conversation about the circumstances. Though it is impossible at this time to give you all the details, I hope, should I ever be fortunate enough to have the pleasure of your company again in the future, to afford you more clarity.

In addition, it is necessary for me to apologize for revealing, in such a painful manner, details of someone else's private life and plans, information to which I should not have in the first place been privy. It was doubly wrong of me to use such intelligence against the person involved, for he has served me loyally and deserves better treatment. In my own defence, can only say that frustration with my lot has made me bitter, my own expectations having been dashed, but that is no excuse for interfering in the future of two blameless individuals, and, completely abashed, I humbly beg your pardon. I will very soon be releasing the gentleman from his obligation to me, and at that time, should he choose to pursue his previous course, I hope you will act in that manner, which will, in your own opinion, constitute your happiness, without reference to me, or to any person so wholly unconnected with you.

That said, however, it is important - no, I daresay, vital - to me that you be aware that the articulation of my own desires could not have been more inept, and it left you with an impression quite counter to my actual intent. Please know that I hold you in the highest possible esteem, and I can only dream of a day when I might have the chance to re-state, more fluently, my meaning, that you may perhaps look more kindly upon me and even bestow upon me your good opinion.

I will only add, G-d bless you.

If Elizabeth's head had been spinning the evening before, this note from Mr. Darcy did little to allay her distress; rather, it had been increased twofold. Even more than its contents, the very fact that the missive had been placed in her hand greatly discomfited her, for it implied that he had visited her in this room in the depth of the night, and had somehow known that she would be sleeping soundly enough not to be disturbed by his presence. Once again recalling his kiss in the library, she grew warm at the thought of being in such proximity to him in such an intimate setting. A quick glance assured her that she was still properly attired in her ball gown, and its relatively unwrinkled state revealed that she had slept quite undisturbed, and in fact had barely changed position since her head had hit the pillow.

Thus having allayed her fears of Mr. Darcy somehow having taken liberties - and feeling somewhat foolish for having even entertained such thoughts - Elizabeth turned her attention back to the note, re-reading each short paragraph in turn.

It seemed brilliantly simple to have asked his manservant, who had been discreet and loyal during this entire episode in Hertfordshire (and, no doubt, on countless other occasions) to write the letter for him, knowing the man could be well trusted. It was, in fact, the sort of task Mr. Hampton had typically performed for his patient, though now that Mr. Darcy had interfered in his private life, it was understandable that the doctor not be asked to carry out this assignment

Yet in having this letter written by a servant, Mr. Darcy had still been remarkably circumspect, revealing no names or any other details which would compromise either himself or her, should the note fall into the wrong hands. Elizabeth silently congratulated him on his shrewdness.

As far as his warning against Mr. Wickham went, Elizabeth thought it wholly unnecessary. There was no way her former favourite could be restored to his previous standing after his actions last night. He had sunk so low in her esteem, there could be no redemption, and she was now easily able to see his charm as only skin deep. She shuddered at what might have transpired in the library if Mr. Darcy had not already been within. Should Mr. Wickham have the temerity to appear at Longbourn, she would surely cut him, and advise her family to do the same.

The next paragraph did much toward explaining the intensity of emotion which had gripped both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam when dealing with Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy's sister! No wonder he chooses not to discuss the particulars! Jane had told her that Mr. Darcy had a sister of 15, Lydia's age, full young to be involved in a love affair but certainly susceptible to the charms of an experienced man. Although Elizabeth could not know the details, it was enough to have an idea of the manner in which Mr. Wickham had fallen so precipitously from Mr. Darcy's good graces; if she understood him rightly, Mr. Wickham was a rake of the worst kind.

The following two paragraphs caused her to blush furiously, for they touched upon matters very personal to her, the question of Mr. Hampton's courtship, and Mr. Darcy's behaviour the night previous. His apology for having revealed Mr. Hampton's plans she readily accepted, though she was troubled that his readiness to release the doctor from his employ indicated that he might be giving up all hope for recovery. Nevertheless, it was, no doubt, a prudent course of action, for once Mr. Darcy had betrayed his confidence, Mr. Hampton could surely not serve in the same capacity, which required absolute trust between the parties.

But it was the last paragraph which sent her into a bout of extreme confusion. Of his high regard she was now certain, but she fervently wished that she had not been so hasty in her conclusions, leaving with such harsh sentiments between them. What had been his intent? What might he have said if they had not argued, if he had not kissed her...?

"I must speak to him," she whispered, knowing how awkward the conversation would be, but seeing the necessity in it nonetheless. She could not leave the situation as it was; there was so much that might be said! Yet he would surely not still be in the library, and she could hardly seek him out in his chambers, or go searching for him throughout Netherfield. So she resigned herself to waiting until the Bingleys came down to eat. It would be a long wait, indeed, for Elizabeth guessed that the ball had ended late, and they would not rise much before noon.

The servant whom she summoned brought her some water, and then confirmed that Mr. Bingley and his sisters were not expected down for breakfast. But Elizabeth could not tolerate the inactivity. So once her toilet was complete, she headed downstairs and toyed with some tea and a scone, consuming very little of either. Before settling down with a book in the library, in the unlikely event she might meet with Mr. Darcy, she sent a servant back to Longbourn with a note requesting her father's carriage.

When finally Miss Bingley made an appearance hours later, it was clear she was not in an amiable mood and was less than pleased to see that her guest was not only still in residence, but had apparently been lingering for quite some time. "I declare, Miss Eliza, you must rise with the sun," she drawled in annoyance. Calling for a cup of tea, she added irritably, "Though not as early as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Hampton, for they are already gone."

"Gone?"

Miss Bingley smiled insincerely. "Yes, Miss Eliza, I am sorry to be the one to break the news, but I have just been informed that your beau has left the county, accompanying Mr. Darcy back to Derbyshire. They left around dawn." She could not keep the look of contempt from her face. "So I suppose you will not be getting married after all. What a shame your hopes have been dashed, Miss Eliza, and in such a manner, for from your look of astonishment I infer that he did not even say goodbye. I do hope that you will soon find some other tradesman to take his place."

In the carriage en route to Pemberley, silence reigned. Darcy supposed Mr. Hampton to be asleep, until the latter coughed lightly and cleared his throat. With that as his cue, Darcy said flatly, without preamble,

"She knows."

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Darcy," replied the doctor pleasantly, "of whom and what do you speak?"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She knows about your plans to go to Nova Scotia, and about your son. I told her."

Mr. Hampton was aghast. "You told her? How did you know?"

"Mr. Jones let it slip. Please do not blame him; he had no reason to believe you were keeping it a secret."

"But it was not for you to tell!" the doctor cried angrily.

"Quite right. I owe you an apology. You have been nothing but kind to me, and I have repaid you badly."

"I should say so! I am disappointed, Mr. Darcy, and hurt."

"I am very sorry."

"What possible reason could you have had?"

Darcy shook his head. "I cannot say. It was a foolish thing to do."

But Mr. Hampton was not a stupid man. He did not need to hear the words from Mr. Darcy's lips to know that the gentleman was madly in love with Miss Elizabeth, for had not the doctor seen the evidence before and feared it? A dark cloud passed over Mr. Hampton's countenance, his eyes narrowed, and his mouth tightened into a grim line.

"Mr. Hampton," Darcy continued, unconscious of his companion's reaction, "under the circumstances I would understand completely if you would wish to leave my employ. I ask only that you see me safely back to Pemberley, and I will release you from any responsibility to me, and compensate you generously. You will then, of course, be free to return to Hertfordshire," the doctor detected a slight strain in his patient's voice, "and continue your courtship of Miss Bennet."

"I see. And is there still to be a courtship? How did she take the news?"

"Not well, I am afraid." Despite Mr. Hampton's angry snort, Darcy pressed on, "She was distressed that you never mentioned your plans or your child to her. I believe she feels it shows a certain want of candour, and a lack of trust in her judgment."

"That is indeed unfortunate," Mr. Hampton said, attempting to put a calm voice over his indignation. "I had meant to tell her on several occasions, but the time never seemed right. I wonder if she will even agree to see me."

Not aware of how much he had already given away, Darcy attempted to sound nonchalant. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet appears a sensible young lady, not given to the caprices of others of her sex. Certainly if nothing else she will agree to hear you out."

"So I must hope." But Mr. Hampton now felt he had little expectation of salvaging his scheme, and he could no longer look upon Mr. Darcy with a kindly eye.

At that moment the object of their conversation had arrived home and was anxiously seeking her elder sister. Jane was just as keen to see Elizabeth, and when they found each other, they embraced tightly.

"Oh, Lizzy, we were so worried about you. Are you quite well?"

"Yes, my dear, I am well. But so much has happened, I must apprise you at once. Do you think we can find some time away from Mama?"

So the two took themselves from the house, despite the chill in the air, and began to walk the path that led to Meryton, though they had no interest at all in visiting the town that day.

"You were so suddenly taken ill," Jane began, "that we did not even have an opportunity to enquire after you."

"Events unfolded so rapidly that I confess I found myself quite overwhelmed, and Mr. Hampton thought it best if I rest undisturbed."

"He is a good man, Lizzy."

"Without doubt. Yet he has deceived me - or at least not been totally forthcoming with me, and now I hardly know my own mind. Jane," she stopped and turned toward her sister, grabbing her arm, "he has a son, by his first wife, a young man of two-and-twenty."

"My word! That must have been a shock!"

"Indeed, but that is not the whole of it. This son resides in Nova Scotia, and it is Mr. Hampton's intent, once married, to join him there."

Jane became pale. "No, Lizzy! You would never go that far from us, would you?" At Elizabeth's silence, she persisted, "Would you?"

"I would never wish it," Elizabeth replied slowly. "Though if I truly loved the man, I would follow him to the ends of the earth."

"And do you love him?"

Growing still and pensive, Elizabeth appeared to fall into a reverie. Finally, Jane found that she had to repeat, "Lizzy, do you love him?"

Her eyes flying to her sister's face, Elizabeth replied with some alarm, "I am sorry, of whom do you speak?"

"Of Mr. Hampton," Jane said with some exasperation. "Do you love Mr. Hampton?"

"No. I do not."

Sighing with relief, Jane said, "Then I suppose we need have no fear of your leaving us for the New World?"

Her sister smiled wanly. "I cannot imagine it at the moment."

"Good. For I would not wish you further away than, say, Derbyshire."

Elizabeth, with a questioning look, sought Jane's expression, but the latter had turned her face away to hide her smile, and the two walked on.

"There is more I must tell you," Elizabeth said. "We must warn our family against Mr. Wickham."

"So I have heard."

"You have? From whom?"

"I had it from Colonel Fitzwilliam. Some time after you excused yourself, he found me and told me somewhat of Mr. Wickham's history, and his odious behaviour towards you last night." She shook her head. "It is abominable. I am glad that Mr. Darcy was able to scare him off."

"As am I." Elizabeth peered at her sister. "Jane, the Colonel told me that you had a conversation with Mr. Darcy during the ball."

"Yes," she smiled, "it was at the Colonel's insistence."

Biting her lip, Elizabeth said, "He imagines Mr. Darcy to be in love with you, and thinks that you are in a fair way of returning those feelings."

Jane shook her head in bemusement. "I gathered that. Wherever did he get such a notion? But Mr. Darcy and I easily cleared up that particular misunderstanding."

"So you are not in love with Mr. Darcy."

"Come, you know that I... that Mr. Bingley is the only gentleman who has ever caught my eye."

"And Mr. Darcy is not in love with you?"

At this point Jane could not help but laugh. "Oh, Lizzy, do be serious!"

"There, I was right," Elizabeth said, unconscious of the emotion in her voice. "I told Colonel Fitzwilliam that he was mistaken, but he refused to listen to sense. So what then did you talk about?"

"Well, you, mostly."

"Me?"

"He said that you and he had recently quarrelled, and that it distressed him deeply."

Elizabeth coloured. "Is that all?"

"No. He also said that the cause of this quarrel was his lack of facility in expressing himself, and that as a result you greatly mistook his meaning."

So he has given me to understand. But what had been his meaning? "What else did he say?" she added carefully.

"That is about the sum of it."

Elizabeth walked away, deep in thought. Jane stopped for a moment, watching her sister with loving eyes.

"Dear Lizzy!" Jane whispered tenderly. "Who is the blind one now?"

True to his word, Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke to Colonel Forster at his earliest opportunity, which in fact was the afternoon after the ball. But while the commanding officer was sympathetic, he found it necessary to counter that there was no evidence of Mr. Wickham having gone astray while under his command, nor had the lieutenant been convicted of any crime. So Forster could do naught but agree to caution Mr. Wickham that his behaviour was under scrutiny.

Disappointed, Colonel Fitzwilliam was forced to take a different tack, and decided to speak to Wickham on his own. The lieutenant himself proved to be elusive. Though the others in the militia claimed he was present for his duties, the Colonel could never locate him. Finally, some well-placed coins led him to a pub in a nearby town. Mr. Wickham seemed unsurprised to see the Colonel.

"I knew it was but a matter of time until you or Darcy tracked me down. He has not accompanied you?" Wickham glanced past Fitzwilliam as if his taller, more imposing cousin might be hidden behind him. "Or is he lurking somewhere beyond, ready to pounce on me unawares?"

"No, he felt that seeing you once was quite sufficient, and left the pleasure to me."

"We hardly could say we saw each other, Colonel, as the room was pitch-black."

"Then let us say being in your presence was enough. He still feels unclean."

Wickham snorted. "Yes, that would be like him, not wanting to soil his perfect gentleman's existence by consorting with the likes of me."

The Colonel grew impatient. "You know as well as I do that the fault lies with you, Wickham. We had no quarrel with you until..."

"And how is dear Georgiana?" Wickham drawled, examining his fingernails. "Does she talk about me?"

Unwilling to be provoked at the moment, Fitzwilliam replied, "No more than she would discuss an ant crushed beneath her heel." He could see that the insult had hit its mark.

"What is it that you want, Colonel?" the young man snapped.

"Just this: to make you aware that I am watching your every move. Should I find out that you have stepped out of line with the good people of this neighbourhood, you will regret it with every breath in your worthless body. Do I make myself understood?"

Even in the dim light of the pub, Fitzwilliam could see Wickham's pallor. The lieutenant nodded slightly, and, satisfied, the Colonel turned on his heel and quitted the room. He did not see Wickham relax or say softly at his departing back:

"But what if you should not find out?"

Leaving nothing to chance, Colonel Fitzwilliam felt it incumbent upon himself to spread a warning among the families of the neighbourhood, but since he could hardly broadcast accusations to a population at large who knew and apparently liked Mr. Wickham without potentially exposing Georgiana, the Colonel, an excellent military strategist, pursued another tactic. He simply made whispered caveats to the few families of his acquaintance - the Bennets, Lucases, Phillipses and Longs - and allowed the reliable machine of gossip to do the rest.

For most, that would prove to be enough. Sensible families, especially those with unmarried daughters, immediately began to exclude Mr. Wickham from their homes. But among some, the lure of forbidden fruit was too strong a temptation, and Mr. Wickham continued to enjoy the covert company of certain young ladies of the neighbourhood who believed him to be unfairly treated. Chief among these was Lydia Bennet.

"Dear Mr. Wickham," she pouted to Kitty, after her father had forbidden the gentleman in question from ever stepping foot inside their house, "what has he ever done but made himself agreeable to us all, and this is how we respond?"

"You heard Papa, Lydia," her sister replied caustically. It was easy for her to be insensible to Mr. Wickham's plight, for though he had showered attention upon Lydia and even Elizabeth, he had never shown her any especial consideration, and there were other officers upon whom she looked with far more favour.

Having hoped to find Kitty more sympathetic, Lydia huffed out of the room. Well, if Mr. Wickham was prohibited from entering the house, she would just have to meet him someplace else. Her body tingled at the memory of the secrets they had shared, and she sighed. Surely one so very handsome and so very amiable could not be the scoundrel he was painted to be. She would meet him, and ask him for the truth behind these charges. Then, perhaps, there might even be more kisses to enjoy...

Mr. Wickham was not, however, the individual uppermost in Colonel Fitzwilliam's mind. It was his cousin Darcy who occupied most of his thoughts. When he had gone to check on Darcy after the ball, imagining that he would be asleep, the Colonel had been astonished to find his cousin dressed for travel and his manservant packing. Darcy had explained that with Mr. Wickham's knowledge of his presence in Hertfordshire, he felt apprehensive of his ability to remain either secure or anonymous in the neighbourhood. So it was necessary for him to away. Besides, he had added, with obvious gloominess, there was no reason for him to remain, now that he was well enough to travel, and he longed to be in the familiar surroundings of Pemberley.

"But what of Miss Bennet?" the Colonel had exclaimed without thinking.

There had been a heavy pause, and the Colonel had thought he had overstepped his bounds. But it had appeared as if his cousin was merely gathering his thoughts. Finally Darcy had said, very deliberately, as if choosing every word, "There may soon come a time, Fitz, when I ask you to help me out in that regard. But for now, say and do nothing. I will trust her sister to look after her best interests on my behalf."

And that had been that.

After making Darcy promise to send word upon his safe arrival at Pemberley, there was nothing more he could do at this time, and Colonel Fitzwilliam was quite unaccustomed to feeling helpless. He sighed with frustration. At least his cousin had the doctor for pleasant company on the journey.

But in that the Colonel was greatly mistaken, for the trip to Derbyshire was hardly an enjoyable one. After Darcy's revelation, the two men had little to say to each other, and in fact, Mr. Hampton, seething with unexpressed resentment, was quite disinclined to make small talk with the man he saw responsible for his disappointed hopes. Instead, he passed the hours pondering what he would say to Elizabeth once he saw her again, which he surely must, though he had left Hertfordshire so abruptly, there had been no time even to say goodbye. And despite his doubts as to her willingness to make so momentous a move, he still could think of no other woman with whom he would choose to spend his future in his new home. While he could not honestly say that he loved her, as he had loved no lady since he lost Matilda, he did care for Elizabeth in his own way, admiring her strength of character, cleverness, and sensitivity, as well as her undeniable loveliness. He had spent years searching without meeting her equal, and was not prepared to give up on the idea of marrying her. There was only the small matter of persuading her to accept his offer, made more difficult by Darcy's untimely interference. Surely there had to be some way to overcome her objections; he just needed to find it.

For his part, Darcy had much to reflect on. When he arrived at Pemberley, he would be greeted by a sister who knew nothing of his current condition. Georgiana, a tender soul, might easily be overcome at the sight of his dressings. To soften the blow, he had his man send an express ahead of his carriage alerting her to his imminent arrival, and hinting at the extent of his injuries. But still, her first sight of him would surely be a shock, and she would need comforting.

He also had ample time to think about the other lady dear to his heart. Precious Elizabeth! In Mr. Hampton's presence, Darcy could not even allow himself the agonized sigh that welled up within him. How he loved her! Releasing the doctor to continue his pursuit of her was torture, but it was the honourable thing to do after his unconscionable intervention. And yet... Darcy still had faith that she might consider him in any decision she made. But although he hoped that his note would improve her opinion of him, he could not know if it had the desired effect. Even if it had, he thought with frustration, it could make little difference at the moment; there could no longer be communication between them. He could only pray that the missive and his brief conversation with her sister Jane, constrained as both were by propriety and prudence, would be sufficient to convey his regret at his clumsy actions and the depth of his emotion. Should they be successful, Elizabeth perhaps would know that her destiny did not reside with the doctor.

Jane Bennet. His respect for her had grown considerably. Now knowing her to be intelligent and perceptive, he could finally understand what - aside from her apparent physical beauty - so captivated Bingley, and could even acknowledge her as a suitable consort for his dearest friend. He hoped they would be happy together.

Reluctantly, Darcy next turned his mind to the weighty matter of his prospects. They seemed dim. He considered the surgical book, now in his possession, tucked safely in the trunk outside the carriage. At first, he had considered returning it to Mr. Jones, but had later thought better of it; perhaps his next doctor could make something of it. But once Mr. Hampton was gone, whom could he trust to advance his recovery? Would there even be a recovery? If he must live out his life as an invalid, what would become of Georgiana? Would he have to turn his guardianship of her completely over to Fitzwilliam? He had done a dreadful enough job of it the summer past while fully sighted, as he had let her slip into Wickham's clutches. And without knowing where his future lay, he could hardly dream of including Elizabeth in it.

When at last the carriage arrived at the front drive of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy was handed out by the footman. He immediately heard a shriek. "Georgiana!" he called. And ere a moment had passed, a soft form had flung itself into his arms.

"William, William, what has happened to you?" his sister gasped.

"An unfortunate encounter with an ill-natured weapon. Hush, dearest," he soothed as she began to cry, holding her tightly and stroking her hair. "I am here now with you, in no pain at all, and I am confident that all will be well. Pray, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Hampton, the excellent doctor who has tended me since my injury. Mr. Hampton?"

"I am here, Mr. Darcy," the physician replied, appearing at his side. Darcy was grateful that, despite his new antipathy toward his patient, Mr. Hampton was behaving as a gentleman.

"Mr. Hampton, may I present Miss Georgiana Darcy, my sister."

"A great honour, Miss Darcy," Mr. Hampton said with a bow. "Your brother has been a most compliant patient, the best I could ask for."

Georgiana managed a curtsey and a tremulous smile, though clearly she was far from reassured, for the tears continued to glisten in her eyes.

"Let us go inside now, my pet," Darcy said. "Mr. Hampton and I are anxious to wash from ourselves the dust of the road and to have something to eat. Then you and I may be at leisure to talk." And so the little party climbed the stairs of the entrance to Pemberley. Though Georgiana held Darcy's arm, he attempted not to rely upon her assistance, instead striding confidently up the stairs in his usual manner; in fact, however, he was deep in concentration, relying on long years of ingrained memories of the stairs' depth and height as well as their number in order to avoid any misstep that might further distress his sister. Great was his relief when he reached the top and went within.

Within days, Darcy became accustomed to moving about his home without assistance, and prided himself upon his independence. Still, his sister looked upon him with unrelenting concern, for it was clear that he and Mr. Hampton had come to no conclusions about what the next step in his recovery should be, and in fact, seemed barely to be speaking to each other. Frustrated with her own helplessness, she finally sat down and penned a letter, sending it express, and spent the next several days pacing in anxiety.

At Longbourn, Elizabeth's days too dragged by. The weather was dreadful, with rain and wind almost daily, and there was no opportunity to escape the house and go afield. Inside, there was nothing but needlework, books and the pianoforte to entertain her, none of which met her humour. Where once there had been a surfeit of interesting gentlemen with whom to visit, she now had none. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam had finally quit the neighbourhood, returning to his parents' estate for a family meeting before continuing on to Derbyshire to join Mr. Darcy. Worse, Mrs. Bennet was in high dudgeon over Elizabeth's failure to secure Mr. Hampton as a groom. Undaunted by the thought of a son-in-law her own age, she had been counting on Mr. Hampton to take her most difficult daughter off her hands, and now could only blame Elizabeth for his departure.

"But Mama, it is not my fault he has gone from Hertfordshire," Elizabeth protested weakly, unable to call up Mr. Darcy's name in her defence.

"Well, of course it is, you silly girl," her mother replied. "You just had to go and become unwell at that ball, and what could he think but that you are a sickly child unfit to be the wife of a busy doctor! He has no doubt returned to Town where he can find a healthier woman to marry. And you shall die an old maid." She began to sniffle and clutch her chest. "Oh, my heart! What palpitations it gives me! And now, thanks to you, we shall have no doctor in the family to turn to!"

Elizabeth's sole satisfaction was the growing relationship between Jane and Mr. Bingley. He came to the house almost every morning, despite the rain, and passed several hours in their company, frequently dining with them as well. Jane bloomed into even greater beauty in his company, and Elizabeth felt it was only a matter of time until Mr. Bingley requested an audience with their father. How she would then wish them joy!

Mr. Bingley's constant presence, however, brought Mr. Darcy to the fore of Elizabeth's thoughts. His letter she already knew by heart, as the countless hours she passed in her room during those dreary days were largely devoted to re-reading it. She deeply regretted not having allowed him to explain himself, and after long contemplation began to wonder if he had in the library hinted at something born more of a deep regard rather than of necessity. Could he be in love with me? The very idea caused her entire body to flush warmly and her heart to pound. But she could hardly hope to see him again. Through his note she knew it was clearly his wish to someday renew the acquaintance, yet she could not see how that would be possible. No one else knew of his stay in Hertfordshire, they moved in vastly different circles - she had not forgotten Miss Bingley's assertion of Mr. Darcy's marital expectations - and his current state made socializing unlikely in any case. No, it seemed unlikely, and the thought caused her unfamiliar pangs of regret, unlike anything she felt over the removal of Mr. Hampton.

That self-same Mr. Hampton, having made up his mind to return to Hertfordshire to renew his attentions to Elizabeth, had within a week had his fill of rest from the journey to Derbyshire. When Darcy was not present, Georgiana would attempt to persuade the doctor to stay, fearing that his absence would indicate a stalling of her brother's treatment. But while he felt sorry for Miss Darcy, a tender child, Mr. Hampton had in fact during his stay at Pemberley done little of any benefit for Mr. Darcy, for the two had an unspoken agreement that neither wished the other's company, and none of the young lady's appeals could change his mind about staying or assisting her brother further. It was time to think of his own future, as no one else could be trusted to do it.

The afternoon before he was to depart, the physician paid a final visit to Pemberley's immense library, intoxicated with the vastness of the learning contained therein. He was walking about the shelves, marvelling at the variety and depth of the collection, when a small stack of books on a table caught his eye. These were evidently the volumes Mr. Darcy had brought along to Hertfordshire, his intention of reading them dashed by his accident. In this column, however, was also a book of experimental ophthalmic surgery much like the one promised him by the apothecary. He looked at the bookplate and frowned. What is this? It was indeed the same book! Apparently Mr. Jones had located the volume and brought it to Netherfield at some time when he had been absent, and the valet had packed it along with Mr. Darcy's own books. The physician had no doubt that Mr. Darcy, or more likely his cousin or friend, since his patient could have no concept of the contents of the book, had concealed its arrival from him. Filled with a curiosity that overcame his displeasure, Mr. Hampton leafed through the book, growing thoughtful, and frequently stopped to examine a page closely. With an air of decision, he tucked the volume under his arm and returned to his room to place it among his own belongings for the trip to Hertfordshire.

As he emerged from his room, he was startled by the announcement of the arrival of another party, which entered with great fanfare and an entire coterie of servants. As neither a valued employee nor an honoured guest in the house, Mr. Hampton made every attempt to stay out of the way of the newcomers, but there was no help for it, for the elder of the two women was everywhere, and had an opinion on everything.

"Where is my nephew?" this imperious lady bellowed at once, in a manner that indicated she was not accustomed to refusal of her demands. She was followed at all times by a stylishly attired but sallow and thin young woman who coughed frequently into a fine linen handkerchief. To Mr. Hampton's practiced eye - for he had seen many such cases - she appeared to be a cosseted miss who had turned sickly from an odd combination of hypochondria and the parental overindulgence so common among the aristocracy. There is nothing here that removal from her mother's watchful eye and some plain, healthful food and bracing sea air would not cure! he thought, shaking his head in disgust.

Upon discreetly enquiring as to the identity of the visitors, Mr. Hampton was informed that the grand dame was none other than Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's aunt on his mother's side. The young lady was her daughter, Anne, sole heiress to the magnificent Rosings estate and an impressive fortune. As the two went to refresh themselves after their journey, Mr. Hampton hastened toward the parlour, hoping to have some tea before the ladies came down from their rooms, and in approaching the door he found himself close enough to overhear a heated conversation between Mr. Darcy and his sister, who, having the same idea as the doctor, had retired to the same room.

"I wish you had not requested Lady Catherine's presence, Georgiana," Darcy said, and despite its lowered volume, Mr. Hampton recognized the bitter tone in his voice, and the barely contained anger.

"I had to, William, please understand," Georgiana begged, "I was worried for you, for us, and I thought that Lady Catherine could..."

"Could what?" Darcy interrupted. "Could take over our lives? For surely she will, Georgiana. Mark my words, she is poised to impose her will on us all, beginning with me, and a forced march to the altar."

"You do not suppose she would bring up your engagement to Anne now?" The girl sounded horrified.

Mr. Darcy, engaged? Mr. Hampton sucked in his breath through his teeth. His patient had never mentioned aught of it.

"Why, of course, do you not see?" Darcy rejoined. "Certainly now she willinsist on our marrying as soon as may be, so that Anne may save me from the poor invalid I have become, and look after me and my concerns for the rest of my days!"

The doctor was avid to hear more, but the approach of a servant necessitated his turn away from the room, and he reluctantly returned to his rooms, where he decided to take a tray. There he sat, deep in thought.

Surely Miss Elizabeth knows nothing of Mr. Darcy's engagement. Mr. Hampton thought, sipping his tea. If she did, she would not show such an unseemly interest in the gentleman's affairs, for she could harbour no hopes of her own. Suddenly a broad smile graced his face. Well, then, it falls to me to inform her, but not quite yet. There is first an offer I must pose to her, which she will have no choice but to accept. And he called for a servant to finish his packing, for there was much to be done, and he would not for any reason delay his departure.

"Lizzy, he is come!" Mrs. Bennet's voice quivered with glee. "Oh, quick, girl, get dressed, for he is come!"

Elizabeth was startled out of her daydreams of a tall, dark-haired gentleman, for she had heard little from her mother during the past week that was not a complaint or a scolding. But she could not muster the same enthusiasm, for she knew that only Mr. Hampton's arrival could occasion in her mother that degree of delight, and it was not that particular fellow whom she longed to see. Nevertheless, she called the servant in to help her dress and fix her hair, and headed down the stairs in due time.

Sure enough, waiting in the morning room was Mr. Hampton, who stood chatting amiably with Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth's eyes grew large as she peered into the room. It was unlike her father to greet their visitors unless he was goaded by his wife, but for Mr. Hampton he came most willingly. This, Elizabeth felt, was a bad sign. Frequently relying on her father's stinging wit to frighten away foolish potential suitors, she realized that he might welcome Mr. Hampton's intellect into a family which displayed precious little of it. She had not told her parents of the doctor's plans for his future bride, nor of his son, thinking the matter irrelevant once he had quitted the county, and now she regretted it, for it might have dampened their fervour for him.

"Ah, there's my Lizzy now," said Mr. Bennet affectionately, once he spotted her lingering at the door. "Look who has returned to Hertfordshire, my dear, and anxious to see you! I have told him how very glad we all are that he is back."

This sort of sentiment, too, was much unlike those which usually issued from her father, and Elizabeth worried for her ability to escape what appeared to be an imminent proposal of marriage. She managed a weak smile, as her parents and Mr. Hampton beamed at her. Her sisters, it seemed, were still getting dressed, and there would be no relief for her from that quarter.

"It is indeed good to see you again, Mr. Hampton," she said politely.

The three elders smiled even more broadly at this, and Elizabeth felt outnumbered.

"Well, my dear," said Mr. Bennet to his wife with a wink, tugging on her arm, "shall we not see what is keeping those girls of ours?"

Horrified, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Really, Papa, there is no reason for both of you to go! Should you not just send for Mrs. Hill and ask her to hasten my sisters' arrival downstairs?"

"No, I think we should see to it ourselves." Mrs. Bennet was revelling in the rare complaisance of her husband. "Come, Mr. Bennet," she declared with affection, "let us gather our children about us." And the two of them exited the room, closing the door behind them, leaving a smiling Mr. Hampton and a dismayed Elizabeth to look at each other.

"Will you not sit down?" Elizabeth finally said, remembering her manners.

The doctor complied, and Elizabeth sat down nervously opposite him.

"I hope you will forgive my early visit, Miss Elizabeth," said he. "It is clear I have caused some disruption in your family's morning routine, and I regret having inconvenienced you."

Truth be told, Elizabeth wished she had had the fortification of some breakfast, but now her stomach roiled, and she doubted if she could eat anything of any substance. However, she did call for some tea, and nervously sipped a cup while Mr. Hampton helped himself to some fruit. She hoped desperately to be joined by her sisters, but suspected strongly that they were being kept above stairs. Oh, where was Jane?

Setting aside his plate, Mr. Hampton moved to take Elizabeth's hand. She froze.

"Miss Elizabeth," he said, "I have an apology to make to you. I have learned from Mr. Darcy that he has made you aware of the existence of my son John, as well as my plans to join him in Nova Scotia. I am truly sorry to have you gain this information in this fashion; I should have trusted you with it from the beginning."

"It was quite a shock, Mr. Hampton," she replied, withdrawing her hand.

"Yes, I can see that you are displeased. Well, I was wrong not to tell you about John, for I have nothing to hide."

He stood up to pace the room, and Elizabeth waited.

"When I was a young man, I married the love of my life, my darling Matilda. She was not unlike you: all sparkling eyes and chestnut curls, full of fire and wit. We had but two joyous years together as man and wife, before she left me giving life to our son John two-and-twenty years ago. He is all I have left of Matilda, my only living relation, in fact, and I love him dearly. His decision to leave for Nova Scotia hit me hard, but he was always an intrepid, headstrong lad, and I could not stand in the way of his dream. Now that he has established himself, as an architect in Halifax, he has frequently asked me to join him there, and I find myself yearning to do so... but not alone. I have been alone too long."

Like a rabbit caught in the gaze of a fox, Elizabeth could do naught but sit, unmoving, and stare, for she knew what was coming.

"Elizabeth," he continued, and she noticed his deliberate move to the use of her Christian name, "I do not think it would be any surprise to you to hear that I have, since the beginning of our acquaintance, admired you greatly. You have all the characteristics I value in a lady, and you have moved me as none has for many, many years. It would please me more than I can say if you would do me the honour of becoming my wife."

"Mr. Hampton," she began, but he would not let her continue.

"I know that you have objections, and I can name them all. First, of course, there is my age. This I hope you will overlook, as it is no fault of my own," he said with some humour, "and I think that I have proved that my years have affected neither the sharpness of my mind nor the nimbleness of my feet.

I imagine you are also concerned with gaining a full-grown stepson. But because he is an adult, he naturally would not expect you to take on the role of mother. Let him be a friend to you; he is sensible, thoughtful, and well-read, and has a wit to match your own."

"But Nova Scotia, Mr. Hampton!"

"Ah, Nova Scotia. Elizabeth, you are not like the prim and tedious young ladies of the ton, whose idea of a change of scenery is a trip from London to Bath and back, and who note the passage of seasons by the length of a sleeve or the height of a waistline. You are attuned to the natural world and are fascinated by its inhabitants. For you, Nova Scotia will be the adventure of a lifetime. I promise you that you will never be bored, and you will lack for nothing. I have assured your parents that..."

"You have already spoken with my parents?"

He nodded. "The night of the ball, when you were taken ill, I told your father that the time was fast approaching that I would make an offer to you."

This, apparently, Papa neglected to mention to my mother, thought Elizabeth with irritation. He might have done so and spared me her censure!

"He was very supportive, I must say. Of course, he did not at that time know of my plans to settle in Halifax, and I did at first fear his disapproval. But I wrote to him from Derbyshire, explaining my reasoning, and then had the pleasure of speaking with him early this morning, before your mother called you downstairs. Naturally, he is reluctant to part with you to so great a distance. But I have pledged that all your needs will be more than met, and that we will return to England after three years for a visit. Your mother was easy enough to persuade," he added, "once I told her the generous amount I was prepared to settle on you."

Yes, that would be Mama's concern, Elizabeth thought sourly. Aloud she said, "Well, it appears that you have thought of everything, Mr. Hampton, except perhaps my opinion in the matter."

"Am I wrong in thinking that you have some warm feelings for me?" he asked, frowning. "You seemed pleased enough with my presence when your sister was sick..."

"Sir, surely you do not confuse gratitude with affection!" she exclaimed.

"And you did appear to enjoy my company during my calls at Longbourn, and while dancing at Netherfield."

"Mr. Hampton, I will not deny that I have always enjoyed your company, for it is most intelligent and amiable. And I am immensely flattered that I am the one you have chosen above all others. But I cannot marry you."

"You do not wish to be separated from your family. I understand, but I promise..."

"I cannot marry you, sir," Elizabeth interrupted, "because I do not love you." She thought that would end the matter, but he was not finished.

"Elizabeth," he said gently, "Have you never heard of marriages which began in friendship and mutual esteem, and later bloomed into love? We are very compatible, are we not?"

When she did not respond, he added,

"Can you not see that I would make you a good and loyal husband, and support you in comfortable style for the rest of your days?"

This Elizabeth could not deny, for she had many times reminded herself of its truth. It was an eligible match, a generous offer, and she could not deny that she might never again see its like. She nodded reluctantly.

Then he asked, observing her closely, "Is it because you are in love with another?"

The question caught her entirely unaware, yet she responded, "No, not at all," evenly, almost automatically, and she found herself vastly gratified by her own level-headed reply. If she did indeed harbour tender feelings toward some other gentleman of her acquaintance, it was fortunate that she had only recently admitted such to herself, for its very newness made it easier to deny.

Elizabeth's poise surprised Mr. Hampton; perhaps, he thought, he had mistaken her interest. Nevertheless, he persisted, "Elizabeth," he said, "you are fond of Mr. Darcy, are you not?"

"Mr. Darcy?" She coloured lightly, but maintained her composure. "I suppose you could say so. He was an interesting and clever companion, and I grew fond of his company during his visit to Hertfordshire."

Despite her self-possession, Elizabeth's slight change in complexion was sufficient to persuade Mr. Hampton that, if she did not in fact love Mr. Darcy, she still cared for him on some level, and the doctor hoped that would be enough to support his purpose. Still, he found himself somewhat relieved that his intended's affections did not appear to lay with Mr. Darcy, as it would spare him the pain of wounding her sensibilities. He continued,

"And you feel sorry for his situation?"

Unsure of what Mr. Hampton was getting at, she responded sincerely, "Of course. It is dreadful to consider what he has already suffered, and to think that he must live out his days in darkness."

The physician considered her for a long moment. "Elizabeth," he announced at length, "I believe I can restore Mr. Darcy's eyesight, in one eye at least." At her quick intake of breath and avid look, he at last knew he was on solid ground. "I am positive that his left eye can be saved, with some surgery that I have seen illustrated in this book," and he indicated the volume that he had brought with him. "He will have his sight, and live out the full life of a gentleman of his stature."

"Mr. Hampton, this is extraordinary!" she exclaimed. "But what of the proud flesh? Will that not mar his features?"

Slightly abashed at having mentioned such a thing to her, Mr. Hampton coughed slightly and said, "I do not now view it as being much of a problem. If all goes well, I expect that he will also retain his looks."

Elizabeth was now quite unable to conceal her excitement, and she asked eagerly, "Have you told Mr. Darcy of this?"

"Not yet. I fear that we parted on...shall we say, less than amicable terms, as I had been greatly angered that he had revealed my personal information to you, and at such an inopportune time. He paid me as agreed, even more generously in fact, but I left Pemberley with no abatement to my ill feelings towards him."

"Then perhaps it would be best if another doctor performed the surgery."

"It might be, but surgery of such a sensitive nature is bound to be excruciatingly painful, not to mention dangerous. I believe that I alone have the key to giving Mr. Darcy back his eyesight with minimal discomfort, and I would see to his proper healing afterward."

"I do not understand. How to you intend to control his pain?"

Mr. Hampton replied easily, "Are you familiar with Mr. Davy's 'laughing gas'*?"

"I have seen its effects at a party in Town," Elizabeth replied, greatly confused. "It was cause for much hilarity, though I must admit I was uncomfortable with the behaviour of its victims."

"Well, it is my opinion that the gas is more than a mere novelty. I have had the rare honour of consulting with Mr. Davy at the Royal Institution, and we have discussed at length the gas's potential as an anaesthetic, a pain reliever. I believe that Mr. Darcy, if not entirely insensible to the pain, will be able to manage it very well indeed."

"Mr. Hampton, I admit myself quite astonished. Why would you volunteer to perform this delicate task for a man you profess to dislike?"

"For you, my dear Elizabeth."

She gaped at him. "But what has this to do with me?"

He once again took her hand, and this time she did not pull away. "Elizabeth, I have long known that you are a sensitive soul, and that Mr. Darcy's condition causes you great distress. If it would make me perhaps a tiny bit dearer to you, if it would influence your decision to accept me as your husband, I would be willing to forgive Mr. Darcy his interference and perform him this vital service."

Elizabeth was too shocked to say a word, so Mr. Hampton said, "My dear, you have already been witness to the obstacles he faces; just imagine how difficult his life will be if he continues it unsighted." At her furrowed brow, he continued, "Besides, yet another challenge has arisen in the unfortunate man's life: Apparently he is engaged, Elizabeth, expected to wed his cousin Anne de Bourgh, heiress to Rosings Park, daughter of the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

This news came not only as a shock, but as a physical blow. Engaged? her mind raged. No, it cannot be true! Could it be that she had once again misunderstood him, this time misinterpreting his note, which had all but persuaded her that his desires were nobler than she had originally thought? Aloud, though, she only said dully, "Well, then, I suppose he is to be congratulated. Why would you call it a challenge? Is it not providential that he is to marry his cousin? After all, he will soon have someone to look after him. And why should any of this mean aught to me?"

"Because you care about his well-being, Elizabeth," he replied quietly, "and do not wish him to live out his life as an invalid whose wife and mother-in-law will steal from him every last shred of dignity he possesses. And this they will do, I assure you. It was Mr. Darcy's express worry, and as I have already seen these two ladies making themselves at home at his own estate, I can confirm that they are quite capable of it, or at least Lady Catherine is."

There was a deep silence, until one last thought occurred to Elizabeth. "You are a righteous man, sir. Would you not perform this operation whether or not it made me likely to accept you?" she asked hopefully.

At this, Mr. Hampton faltered, his countenance clouded. On the long ride to Hertfordshire, his conscience had indeed commenced to war with his desires, as he - considering himself an ethical man - had begun to feel this particular campaign beneath him. He thus continued slowly as if in some pain, "As Mr. Darcy is no longer my patient, having breached my trust and severed our professional relationship, I am under no obligation to make any further attempts to encourage his recovery. Indeed, I believe he would be perfectly content never to hear my name again, and I feel likewise. I could just walk away from him now and continue on with my life.

"But I would do this thing for you, Elizabeth," he went on, his resolve returning; he knew he could provide her a splendid future, if only she would let him. "If you would say the word, ask me to do it on your behalf, assure me that it would influence your decision to marry me, then I would return gladly to Pemberley without further compensation, knowing that my reward was your respect, and, more important, your hand."

Although Elizabeth's features revealed none of it, inwardly her heart was breaking. Yes, she was fond of Mr. Darcy, more than fond. She loved him, most ardently. But she had come late to the awareness of her feelings for him, and it was devastating to think that happiness was beyond her reach. What should she do now? It seemed to her that Mr. Hampton was making an effort in good faith to win her affections. Should she spurn him outright and consign the man she truly loved to a lifetime in darkness? Or should she all but agree to wed the doctor and free Mr. Darcy, if not from his relations, then at least from the fear of what their influence would bring? Her objections to the match with Mr. Hampton had been thwarted at every turn; even her parents had been won over. There was but one thing to do now. She lifted her chin and said, with as much equanimity as she could manage,

"It is an admirable gesture you offer, Mr. Hampton. However, could I not see for myself the results of your handiwork before we make our engagement final?"

The doctor smiled. "I imagine it should be a simple enough matter to procure you an invitation to Pemberley; in fact, you may watch the entire procedure if you care to."

The mere thought made Elizabeth queasy, and she responded, "I think not. But how do you know that Mr. Darcy will permit you to perform this surgery? Does he still trust you?"

"I believe fear for his future will be motivation enough for him to allow me to proceed with the operation. Perhaps you might even persuade him if I cannot. If he refuses, then, well, I will continue to hope that my attempt was worth some consideration in your eyes."

Elizabeth found herself trapped as surely as if Mr. Hampton had put her in irons; she could not, in good conscience, condemn Mr. Darcy to a lifetime of blindness and misery when the solution was in her hands. Her own life as Mrs. Hampton would never be happy, but it could be tolerable, and that would have to be enough. "Very well, Mr. Hampton," she whispered. "But not a syllable of our agreement must reach anyone until after the surgery. Do I have your word on it?"

"You do, Elizabeth," Mr. Hampton replied with great cheer, kissing her hand, and headed for the door. "You have made me the happiest of men." As his parting glance revealed her worried visage, he said kindly, "Ah, do not fret, my dear. All will be well with Mr. Darcy, and I promise that you shall have everything you ever wished for."

That would be entirely impossible, she thought. As the doctor quitted the room, the tears Elizabeth had long held in check began to spill.

*Although Joseph Priestly first isolated nitrous oxide in 1773, Humphry Davy was the first to notice and report its use as an anaesthetic, and published a paper to that effect in 1800. At the time, though, most people knew it only as a novelty demonstrated at parties for entertainment purposes. Davy was knighted in 1812, but for our canon purposes, it is still 1811, and he is still a "Mister."

Although her mother would have again been furious with her for sending Mr. Hampton away that day without accepting his hand outright, Elizabeth staved off the better part of Mrs. Bennet's anger by explaining that she and the doctor had arrived at an understanding, and that within the month she expected to be able to give her parents the news they awaited. Mr. Bennet was, for once, just as excited as his wife about the potential of this particular addition to the family unit, so Elizabeth could have no expectation of sympathy from that quarter. Even to Jane she could not reveal all the details of her agreement with Mr. Hampton, telling her only as much as she had already told their parents, and so held entirely within her breast her disappointment and heartache. She did not know that she could not disguise her dreary humour from Jane, who already suspected the reason and was much distressed on her sister's behalf.

Meanwhile, the doctor remained in the county for another week, and visited the family daily. For as it happened, he found that his plans were not so easily executed. He first had to wait while his letter broaching the subject to Mr. Darcy was answered. Then, when the anticipated letter - written by Colonel Fitzwilliam - finally arrived, he quit Hertfordshire for the three-day journey to Pemberley. Having Elizabeth invited to Pemberley proved the next obstacle; Mr. Hampton had not truly thought the matter through. The senior Bennets had no acquaintance with the owners, and imagine the scandal if an unknown gentleman suddenly issued an invitation to their daughter! Another fortnight went by without a word from Derbyshire, and during this time Elizabeth did not know whether to be relieved at Mr. Hampton's absence or anxious on Mr. Darcy's account.

At last, a letter arrived from Derbyshire in a feminine hand, addressed to Elizabeth. The Darcy seal caused a great deal of curiosity in the Bennet household, and Elizabeth disappointed Mrs. Bennet mightily by not reading the letter aloud to the family. Instead, she rushed to her room and read breathlessly:

Dear Miss Bennet,

I do hope you will forgive my impertinence in writing to you without an introduction. My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, told me how very kind you and your sister Jane could be to a gentleman far from his family. He indicated to me that you two were, indeed, the type of young ladies with whom I should endeavour to become acquainted. I do not have a sister, you see, and have been very lonely here in Derbyshire without such lively young feminine companionship. After what I have heard from both the Colonel and Mr. Hampton, I knew that I must entertain the two of you here at Pemberley without delay.

I understand if you wish to pass the Yuletide season with your family and invite you to come to Derbyshire as soon as your festivities are over. However, Mr. Hampton encouraged me to remind you of the passing days; he wishes to add, "Valuable time should not be wasted." I am sure you know of what he speaks.

Elizabeth paused to consider how cleverly the young Miss Darcy had penned this note, giving her the entrée to Pemberley she required while mentioning Mr. Darcy not at all. Had Mrs. Bennet read the letter, she would have thought that the Colonel was referring to himself and that the doctor was merely anxious to claim Elizabeth as his bride. Given its similarity to the note he left her upon quitting Hertfordshire, however, Elizabeth wondered if Mr. Darcy had not perhaps dictated this one as well. The implications of this brought a now-familiar twinge to her breast, and she pondered how much Mr. Darcy knew of Mr. Hampton's motivations, and - in a fit of pique born of despair - whether he would perhaps ask her to become his mistress with his fiancée under his own roof!

Please send your reply express so that we - the Colonel, Mr. Hampton and I - will know when to expect you. I pray it will be sooner rather than later - you cannot help but see how urgently I desire your presence!

Georgiana Darcy

Chewing her lip, Elizabeth read the note over and over. It would be so easy to let the lot of them - Mr. Hampton, the Colonel, Miss Darcy, Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh - go on with their own lives, totally uninfluenced by her actions. But Mr. Darcy - how could she not fly to him in his hour of need, when he was so close to regaining his precious sight! "You cannot help but see how urgently I desire your presence!" In Elizabeth's mind, those words came straight from Mr. Darcy, not his sister. While the possibility still existed that she could personally ask him the meaning of the note he left her at Netherfield, she was, despite herself and especially despite her promise to the doctor, keen to hear his explanation, particularly now that she knew of his engagement.

After collecting her thoughts and composing herself, Elizabeth headed downstairs to find Jane. Taking her sister aside, she presented her with the letter from Miss Darcy, silently raising a questioning brow. Jane read the missive quickly and glanced up with a smile.

"Well, of course we shall go, Lizzy! Mama will be so thrilled that we are invited to such a grand estate, no less where Mr. Hampton and the Colonel are in residence, I do not believe she will even miss us at Christmas!"

"Jane," Elizabeth said slowly, seeing the necessity to reveal somewhat of what her sister might expect at Pemberley, "we are being invited to Derbyshire specifically to be present when Mr. Hampton performs a surgery on Mr. Darcy in the hopes of restoring his eyesight."

"Oh! Better and better!" Jane beamed. "Dear Lizzy, how wonderful that Mr. Darcy may recover! Is this not the most excellent news?"

"Oh, yes," Elizabeth replied, but she chafed at knowing that she would not be able share in his joy. "But will not Mr. Bingley miss you?"

"He will surely understand when I tell him... Oh, but may I tell him, Lizzy?"

"Certainly. But please request that he not say a word to the others. If the surgery should not succeed, Mr. Darcy would not wish their pity."

"I understand completely. Shall we not seek out Mama?"

As Jane predicted, Mrs. Bennet was so flattered by this attention to her daughters that she completely ignored the absence of a proper introduction and the fact that they would be absent from the family party at Christmas. Their father was, at first, reluctant to let go his two cleverest daughters, aware that the holiday would be interminable without their sense to counteract the silliness of their sisters and mother, but knowing that this visit might speed his Lizzy's marriage to the estimable Mr. Hampton, he eventually agreed to part with them.

But Mr. Bingley was not so willing to be separated from his beloved; that is, not until he reassured himself that she would return to Longbourn ere long, and completely his. So on the day that Jane shared the news of Mr. Darcy's surgery with him, Bingley went down upon his knees, and begged her to marry him, to her great delight and quick agreement. And having one daughter engaged being a remarkable distraction from having another daughter not quite yet engaged, Mrs. Bennet thus gained herself a more pleasant object, and left off hinting at Elizabeth of the surety of her daughter becoming a spinster should the engagement to Mr. Hampton not proceed as promised. Instead, Mrs. Bennet focused her considerable excitement on Jane and the plans for the upcoming nuptials.

And so the two young ladies found themselves most gratified to be packed up to make the trip to Derbyshire.

Their arrival would come, too, at a propitious moment at Pemberley, for few of its denizens were pleased to be in company with the others. Poor Georgiana found herself quite overwhelmed by the strain produced by the presence of a handicapped and yet stubbornly independent brother, as well as an overbearing aunt. Their frequent - and loud - disagreements sent her scurrying for her quarters. Even her beloved Colonel could not be of assistance, as his worry for his cousin's future made him uncharacteristically hesitant to intervene. Lady Catherine was frustrated not only by her nephew's refusal to see sense on the matter of marrying her daughter but also the same daughter's almost slavish following of the regimen set out for her by Mr. Hampton. The new bloom in Anne's cheeks was to her ladyship no compensation for the lack of interest the girl was currently displaying in her mother's matrimonial efforts.

Mr. Darcy, in particular, was most unhappy about the current state of affairs. He had no peace in his own home, being forced by circumstances to share it with the man he considered an unworthy rival for the affections of the woman he loved. Although they did their best to avoid each other, the doctor's manner, especially at mealtimes, seemed entirely too cheerful for Darcy's taste, indicating that the man had had some success in Hertfordshire. But Mr. Hampton spoke of it not at all. His presence, however, Darcy tolerated as he hoped it would soon bring him relief from his other burdens. For in addition to his blindness, he had to bear the company of his aunt, and every day she lived at his estate was a torment, for she never ceased to hound him about marrying Anne, an idea that Lady Catherine had held in common with Darcy's late mother but which had never held any appeal to either him or his cousin.

"This blight upon you is a sign from the Divine," opined the grand dame one day, "that you and Anne must marry as soon as may be. You were, from your infancy, intended for each other, and you have put off the inevitable quite long enough. Duty demands it, Darcy, and it would appear that Providence does as well."

"I am quite sure, Aunt," Darcy replied between gritted teeth, "that the good Lord did not send me the blasted rifle as a wedding gift!"

"Darcy, your language! You will not speak to me thus!"

"My apologies if I have offended you, madam," he answered stiffly, "but I will have no one decide my future but me. I need nobody to coddle me; I am quite capable of living my own life." And, he did not add, if there was one with whom he did wish to join in wedlock, she was not currently in residence at Pemberley.

Yet as tempting as Mr. Hampton's offer had been, Darcy had at first been inclined to refuse it. He remembered well the Colonel's description of the surgeries in Mr. Jones's book, and shuddered at the thought of such a procedure being attempted on his own person. But the doctor had laid out his intentions so carefully, so explicitly, and with such good sense - especially with regard to the novel use of "laughing gas" to deaden the pain - that the Colonel, and then Darcy himself, was forced to admit that the notion had merit. To their frustration, they had found among their acquaintance no other doctor willing to propose any sort of action: there were quacks who suggested that taking the waters at Bath would be sufficient to restore his sight; others advised prayer. Even their valued family physician in London had declined any attempt, worrying that he was too old and the operation too delicate; he deferred, in fact, to Mr. Hampton, praising his skills lavishly. The mere fact that the latter had a real, physical plan for him gave Darcy the first hope he had had in months. Further, Hampton's professional tone in both his letter and upon arriving at Pemberley gave Darcy the sense that if all enmity was not necessarily forgotten, it was suspended in the name of science. And for that Darcy was grateful.

When the Colonel approached him with the scheme of having the Bennet ladies visit, it was not immediately obvious to Darcy that the idea had come from Mr. Hampton. It appeared that Fitzwilliam was simply once again putting forth his own notion of Miss Jane Bennet as his cousin's favourite, and Darcy's heart leapt at the thought of Elizabeth in his own home. The dismal mood he had experienced since his aunt's arrival temporarily lifted. His initial excitement faded, however, as he realized the visit was by Mr. Hampton's design, no doubt in order to hasten his own engagement, or perhaps even to flaunt his relationship in front of his adversary. Nevertheless, Darcy saw it as his only way to be in Elizabeth's presence again, perhaps - if the surgery succeeded - even to see her beloved face. And maybe he would have the opportunity to explain himself, and to change her mind (about what he did not dare to think, for it pained him to think of the possibility that she might be already engaged to the doctor), if such a thing was possible. So he instructed Georgiana on precisely what to say in her letter, though Mr. Hampton's request for a speedy resolution had in fact come from the physician himself (the man's name was bitter in Darcy's mouth, but in the interest of hastening Elizabeth thither, he did as he was asked). He hoped desperately that Elizabeth would see his hand in it.

Georgiana knew nothing directly of Darcy's interest in Elizabeth, for he had been careful to mention her name infrequently when relating his experience in Hertfordshire. But Colonel Fitzwilliam had often volunteered his opinion on what was making his cousin so morose, and hinted that it had to do with a certain Miss Bennet. Therefore Georgiana was only too happy to invite this woman and her sister to join their family party.

The day Jane and Elizabeth reached Pemberley was unusually cold, but they were greeted outside upon their arrival by Mr. Darcy and the Colonel. Elizabeth's interest immediately fell upon the former, anxious to ascertain whether he had remained in good health since she had last seen him. In truth, she found him somewhat thinner, and a good deal paler, and her heart sank. Nevertheless, she greeted him as cheerfully as she could manage, for she was genuinely pleased to see him again. And when Mr. Darcy contrived to take Elizabeth's hand to walk her into the house, she did not protest; indeed, it was the first real peace she had known in weeks. Neither did Jane perceive any insult to her higher status, and was pleased to take the Colonel's arm, despite the latter's disapprobation and confusion, as he still thought the elder Bennet sister to be the object of his cousin's affections.

But Elizabeth's comfort was short-lived, for immediately upon entering the foyer, she was greeted by Mr. Hampton, in such a way that Mr. Darcy was taken aback.

"My dear Elizabeth, how well you look!" the doctor cried, to her dismay. Their host took immediate note of the familiarity with which he addressed her. He pointedly took her hand from where it lay on Darcy's arm and kissed her fingers. "I am exceedingly glad to see you. Tell me, how was your journey?"

"It was most tiring, Mr. Hampton," interjected her sister. "Pray give us some time to refresh ourselves before we join you and the others?"

Silently thanking Jane for her quick thinking, Elizabeth echoed the sentiment, and the two were shown to luxurious and tasteful quarters. After washing the dust from themselves and changing into fresh gowns, the sisters returned downstairs, where they were introduced to Georgiana Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne.

While Elizabeth was delighted to make Miss Darcy's acquaintance, she looked upon Anne de Bourgh with a more critical eye. She could not for a moment imagine this mousy creature - so spiritless, so dull! - as the future wife of Mr. Darcy. Indeed, the cousins appeared to ignore each other despite what appeared to be Lady Catherine's best attempts to force the two together.

As the afternoon wore on, Elizabeth despaired of having a moment to have a private word with Mr. Darcy. There were always people about, as Mr. Hampton seemed reluctant to let her out of his sight, and Lady Catherine seemed to have the same plan for Mr. Darcy. In fact, her ladyship was most persistent, one might say intrusive, and constantly ordered servants about to wait on her nephew, barely allowing him to move a muscle. This, of course, did not sit well with him, and the party was fraught with tension.

Dinnertime provided some relief, as Mr. Darcy had specifically ordered that Elizabeth be placed to his right, and Mr. Hampton between Miss de Bourgh and her mother. Elizabeth took some satisfaction in seeing the confidence with which Mr. Darcy could now slice and eat the food upon his plate, and particularly in feeling the warmth of his attention, if not his gaze, upon her. When he sensed that no one else was listening, Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth and whispered urgently,

"Pray tell me, Miss Bennet: Shall I take the doctor's use of your Christian name to mean that you are now affianced?"

Taking pains to be rightly understood, she replied, "We are not yet engaged, sir."

"But it is in the offing?"

She sighed. "'Twould appear so."

"You do not sound pleased," Darcy replied with intense interest. Perhaps he was not too late after all! "Is this not your choice?"

Elizabeth wished that she did not have to have this particular conversation in public, especially since Mr. Darcy could not rely upon the look on her face to tell him more. "Circumstances have dictated...," she began delicately, but to her disappointment she found herself interrupted by Miss Darcy, seated across from Elizabeth, exclaiming her delight in having the two Bennet sisters at last at Pemberley.

To her additional dismay, Elizabeth soon discovered that the surgery would be performed the very next morning, as the doctor felt no need for any further delay. She was distressed that she had not had more time to prepare herself mentally for this event, as it signalled not only a dreadfully dangerous situation for her beloved but also the beginning of the end of her liberty. Having no other opportunity to engage Mr. Darcy in private conversation, she fell into a silence that lasted the rest of the meal.

Meanwhile, Lady Catherine took the opportunity to declare her high regard for Mr. Hampton. "He is a treasure, I tell you," she announced to the table at large. "Not only is the man about to perform the heroic act of restoring my nephew's sight, but he has also, somewhat miraculously, brought my own dear daughter, Anne, to better health within a fortnight."

Elizabeth sensed this assertion was more for the purpose of saying something that would meet with general acclaim than on true esteem for the doctor, as she noted that her ladyship actually seemed to look upon Mr. Hampton's interference in her family's matters with some distaste. Miss de Bourgh, on the other hand, seemed truly to admire the man, since she hung upon his every word and even ventured a phrase or two of praise herself before her mother silenced her with a look.

As it necessitated leaving Mr. Darcy's side, Elizabeth did not look forward to the ladies' separation from the gentlemen. She bore it by attempting to turn her attention on his sister, but found herself more often than not the subject of scrutiny by Lady Catherine. The questioning was relentless: who was her father? Her mother? What were her connections in Town? Did she and her sisters draw? Play the pianoforte? As a result, when the ladies had re-joined the gentlemen, Elizabeth once again retreated into silence. There was no additional prospect of enjoying Mr. Darcy's company, for as she had expected, Mr. Hampton immediately placed himself at her side, and looked upon her with concern, but she declined his frequent offers of assistance or refreshment. When the hour began to grow late, Elizabeth excused herself to retire, pleading exhaustion. Jane followed.

"Come now, Lizzy," Jane said when the two were safely ensconced in Elizabeth's room. "You must tell me what has been troubling you these past few weeks. You have displayed no delight in seeing Mr. Hampton again, and your face carries a burden that is most unlike you."

All at once it was all too great to bear. Elizabeth, no longer able to contain the emotions that had overwhelmed her in the weeks since Mr. Hampton's visit to Hertfordshire, burst into tears.

"I am miserable, Jane," she sobbed, falling into Jane's welcoming arms. "I do not wish to marry Mr. Hampton, but I must, I must!"

"Nonsense, my dear," her sister soothed. "You will do nothing that makes you so unhappy. So you have been secretly engaged? Well, it has not been announced; there will be no scandal. You must tell him tomorrow that you have changed your mind and do not wish to marry him, and all will be well."

"You do not understand! I must marry him...for Mr. Darcy's sake."

"Now you have me most confounded! What has Mr. Darcy to do with your marriage to Mr. Hampton?"

Elizabeth no longer cared that Jane would know her secret. The surgery would take place tomorrow morning, and there was naught anyone could do to stop it.

"Mr. Hampton would not agree to perform the operation unless I all but promised I would marry him."

Jane gasped. "But why? Oh, I cannot imagine such a thing of Mr. Hampton!"

"It is true, Jane. He knows I do not love him, and would not marry him and go off to Nova Scotia with him unless I had a pressing reason. He supposes that if I truly care for Mr. Darcy, I would do anything to ensure his recovery."

"And you love Mr. Darcy, Lizzy." It was not a question.

"I do." The tears poured forth again, and Elizabeth sobbed so hard she could barely breathe. "Oh, I do." She gathered herself to deliver the rest of the news. "But he is engaged, engaged to his cousin Anne."

"No." This Jane refused to believe. "No," she repeated, "we have seen them together, and there was no sign of affection between them. In fact, no one mentioned it at all. Perhaps you are mistaken."

Elizabeth shook her head violently. "Mr. Hampton said he heard it from Mr. Darcy himself. Further, he said that Mr. Darcy fears that if the marriage were to take place without his regaining his sight, Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh would take over his estate and completely rob him of his dignity... You have seen the truth in this in how they treat him! No, Jane, I am not mistaken, and I must do this thing for Mr. Darcy. He needs his eyesight, and I will ensure that he will have it."

Despite Jane's pleas for reason, no amount of arguing would change Elizabeth's mind, either on the matter of Mr. Darcy's engagement or on her sacrifice for his sake. Finally she left her younger sister in the capable hands of her lady's maid, and quitted the room, exceedingly troubled.

The maid, Lucy, had found her charge resistant to all her attempts at conversation. So she gently assisted Elizabeth in undressing and performing her toilet, and tucked her neatly into bed as she had often done for her younger brothers and sisters. She tsk-tsked her way around the room as she put away the day's clothes; it was painful to see such a lovely young girl so obviously in the throes of a serious heartache. Leaving a single candle burning, for Elizabeth had yet to close her eyes, Lucy excused herself through the servants' door with a shake of her head. The problems of the gentry, she saw, were not so different from those of her own class.

Not five minutes later a timid knocking came at the same door, but Elizabeth ignored it. The knocking grew louder, and finally roused from her misery by irritation, she called out, "For heaven's sake, Lucy, do come in."

It was, however, not Lucy who entered the room.

"Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth exclaimed in a loud whisper. "You cannot be in here."

"And yet I am," he replied in a low voice, closing the door behind him. He was still dressed from the evening, though he had removed his jacket and cravat. She watched as he inched his way toward the source of her voice, and she self-consciously pulled the covers up over her nightgown, though she was reminded by his dressings that such modesty was quite unnecessary despite the revealing nature of the garment.

He came a halt only when his leg hit the side of her bed. "Miss Bennet, I have been foiled in my every attempt to speak with you alone today, and I hope I do not presume too much by saying we have a great deal to discuss. With my surgery occurring tomorrow morning, I could not take the chance that something of import might be left unsaid if I should..."

"Oh, pray, do not speak of it!" she implored. Twin tears ran down her cheeks but she wiped them away easily with the coverlet in the knowledge that he could not see them. Nevertheless he stopped, and cocked his head at her curiously as if he were actually looking at her.

Sitting down gingerly upon the bed beside Elizabeth, Darcy effectively trapped her beneath the sheets, but flight was never on her mind. "Dare I hope that the note I left you at Netherfield had some positive influence on your opinion of me?"

"I daresay it did."

His hopes rose. "Do you understand that I did not intend to insult or dishonour you in any way, or imply that I wished your company for purely selfish reasons?"

"I suppose I do," she whispered. Doubts remained, but she was not yet willing to say so.

"Miss Bennet," Darcy continued, fumbling for her hand; she placed it in his own. "Could you not tell... Could you not know that I love you?"

"Oh!" cried she, and tears flowed anew.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he said, kissing her fingers, "I was only trying, in my own awkward fashion, to ask you to become my wife. I failed miserably, it is clear, but little has come easy for me since this cursed accident. But I ask you again now, since you are not yet irrevocably tied to Mr. Hampton, to agree to make me the happiest of men, and marry me."

The joy Elizabeth now felt may be imagined, but a disturbing thought still nagged at her, spoiling her happiness, and she gave voice to it: "You imagine that I am unencumbered by an engagement, sir. But for all that you say I misunderstood you when I rejected you at Netherfield, you apparently turned to another without delay, one who was more willing to give you her hand."

His head snapped up. "What? Who?"

"I speak of your engagement, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, attempting to withdraw her hand from Darcy's, but he refused to relinquish it. "Your engagement to your cousin, Miss de Bourgh. For you see, Mr. Hampton has been kind enough to inform me that you are now spoken for."

"The fool knows not of what he speaks!" Darcy declared, his voice rising.

"Mr. Darcy, pray keep your voice down," Elizabeth whispered anxiously. "It would not do to attract the notice of the servants!"

To her surprise, he smiled. "True. Should Lucy return and discover me in your rooms, in such intimate circumstances, why, such a scandal would ensue that we would be forced to marry." There was a pause. "Hm. A worthy notion. Perhaps for better effect I should disrobe and join you in bed!" He made as if to do so, his hands upon his waistcoat buttons.

"Mr. Darcy, do be serious!"

"Very well, Elizabeth. I will tell you in all seriousness that Mr. Hampton is much mistaken; I am not engaged to my cousin, nor have I ever been. It is merely a long-time fancy of my aunt's that Anne and I are meant for each other, though since I became blind she has pressed it loudly and violently. My cousin and I have no interest in pursuing such a relationship. So you see, my beloved, there is nothing at all to stop me from marrying you!" When she did not respond, he added, warily, "Unless there is something you are not telling me?" Faced with her continued silence as she struggled with her emotions, he withdrew his hands. "Unless, perhaps, you do not feel the same way I do? Ah, so that is it." His manner cold, he stood. "It would appear that I am the fool. Forgive me, madam, for taking up so much of your time."

"No! Oh, do not leave me!" she sobbed, her hands clutching at his sleeve, "I love you!" He returned to her side immediately, his bitterness melted away, his voice filled with gentle concern.

"Hush, darling, do not cry. What is it then - Mr. Hampton?"

She nodded, but remembering that he could not see the gesture, she whispered, "Yes."

"But you said that you are not yet engaged."

"We have an understanding, and I must keep my promise."

"So you indicated at dinner. You said something about circumstances... Elizabeth, is your family in financial straits? Do you give yourself to this man to release your family from some burden? Surely I can help you! Whatever the price, it would be well worth it!"

"No, no, do not press me on this." Elizabeth could not tell him the real reason; even released from the fear of his engagement, she would not have him refuse the surgery for her sake. "In this case," she said in a low voice, "the cost is far too dear."

Darcy would argue again, but she stopped him with a finger upon his lips. Seeing that he would not give up easily, she decided it was best to placate him. After all, a day's delay would be sufficient. "Come," she said with forced cheerfulness, "the hour is late, and you have a most important day tomorrow. We can discuss our plans after you have had your operation, can we not? Perhaps once you see me," she affected a teasing tone, "you will decide that I am not worth your bother."

"Impossible!" he retorted. "But just to be certain, may I not touch your face again?"

"Of course."

Thus, once again she set his hands upon her head, and held her breath as he drew his fingers along her features, exhaling shakily only when his thumbs caressed her mouth. This time - in her first act of rebellion against the loveless future awaiting her - she gave in to her impulse, and nipped his thumb lightly with her teeth. She heard his quick intake of breath, and then, his hands alighting on her nape, his lips replaced his fingers upon her face, retracing the path his hands had so lately travelled: her brow, her eyelids, her nose. When at last his lips reached her mouth, they latched onto hers with a ferocity that astonished her, given their previous tenderness. But she responded in kind, as she had promptly decided to glean from this one encounter all the passion that she knew would be absent from the remainder of her life. Her conduct, she knew, was scandalous, but she was beyond caring. In fact, she was now determined to embrace it.

So when Darcy drew his hands tentatively downward from where they lay upon her neck to where the curves of her breasts were bared by her nightgown, she did nothing to stop him; rather, she gave herself up completely to the sensations he was creating and sighed back against the pillows. A deep groan boiled up from within his chest. With greater agility than Elizabeth would have imagined given his sightlessness (and briefly giving rise to the incongruous thought that he must be a superb horseman), in one swift motion he climbed upon her supine form, straddling her hips, his hands never leaving the silken flesh that he had so long desired to possess. With her acquiescence, he allowed his fingers to travel the soft curves of her bosom with the same exquisite deliberation as he had on her face, but her equanimity was far more disturbed by this exploration than the first. Soon his mouth followed, and she found herself completely enraptured, moaning desperately and clutching his hair. And when he finally lowered himself full upon her, his mouth once again claiming hers, the material of the coverlet that separated them was insufficient to insulate her from the heat emanating from his body; it soon spread to her own. Ere long they were writhing against each other, their hands growing ever more familiar with each other's forms, insensible of the time that passed. Nevertheless, the clock's delicate chiming finally intruded, and Darcy groaned again, this time in frustration.

"If I do not leave you now, I shall surely do something we will both regret," he sighed against her cheek, yet making no move to depart. He ran his lips delicately along the arch of her ear, and she sighed as well. "And that will not do." Forcing himself to sit up, he continued, "We will be married as soon as I have recovered, Mr. Hampton be damned! And then I will never again leave your side.

"But for now, I shall bid you good night, darling Elizabeth. I pray that the next time that we are together, I might be privileged to look upon your lovely face." For emphasis, he kissed her forehead, her cheeks and finally her lips before rising from the bed and making his cautious way to the servants' door.

As Elizabeth watched him leave, her tears started afresh. There would be no sleep for her tonight, for should the surgery prove successful, Mr. Hampton would announce their engagement. And should it not...well, Elizabeth preferred not to consider the alternative.

But Elizabeth was not the only one lying sleepless that night. Her sister Jane could not close her eyes, as she was sure that it fell to her to prevent Elizabeth from making a terrible mistake. Yet neither could she doom Mr. Darcy to blindness or worse, should the doctor become vindictive. All night long she mulled her options, until the first light of dawn crept through the window. She did not know what time Mr. Hampton intended to perform the surgery; she prayed she would not be too late. Eschewing help from a servant, she dressed herself, performed a quick toilet, and quietly slipped from her room.

At eight o'clock, Mr. Darcy joined Mr. Hampton, who was alone in the breakfast room, the rest of the party having not yet come down.

"Well, Mr. Darcy," said Mr. Hampton, all good-humoured professionalism. "We have a fine, sunny day, quite an excellent source of light for our purposes. As soon as the Colonel comes to assist me with the nitrous, we may begin. Are you ready?"

"No, I am not," Darcy replied.

Though somewhat surprised, the doctor recovered quickly. "Well, it is a serious step. Do you need more time to prepare yourself, sir?"

"I thank you, no. I simply do not intend for this surgery to take place at all."

"I am afraid I do not take your meaning, Mr. Darcy. If you do not have this operation..."

"I shall remain blind, I know. But I fear, Mr. Hampton, that the price has been set too high, and I refuse to pay."

"But I have asked no payment for this surgery, Mr. Darcy, you know that. It is in the interest of science..."

"I speak not of money, Mr. Hampton! I speak of the hand of Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"I see," the doctor replied slowly.

"Did you think that I would permit her to sacrifice herself for my benefit?"

Mr. Hampton snorted. "I would hardly term it a 'sacrifice,' Mr. Darcy. As my wife, Elizabeth will have everything she needs, everything she wants, including a husband who will care for her most diligently. I am not some kind of ogre!"

"Are you not? Then what kind of man would play upon the tender feelings of a young woman for his own ends?"

"You toyed with her emotions even though you are not free to marry her!"

"In that you are quite mistaken, Mr. Hampton. I am bound to no one."

"But Miss de Bourgh - I overheard you and Miss Darcy discussing your engagement..."

"Regardless of what you may have overheard, Mr. Hampton, my cousin and I are not betrothed and never have been. I am, therefore, quite at liberty to marry where I will. But I released you from my employ so that you could return to Hertfordshire and woo the woman I love, as I felt that I had intruded where I should not, and that she should make her choice independent of my desires. I had no idea you intended to take that choice from her with petty blackmail such as this."

"And Elizabeth told you all this?"

"No, I had it from her sister Jane. Thankfully, Colonel Fitzwilliam knocked at my door at an early hour to tell me that Miss Bennet needed to see me most urgently. As the Colonel has long been under the misguided impression that I favour Miss Jane Bennet, he facilitated our meeting this morning in the library (with a great deal of winking and smirking, I am afraid, despite the very proper nature of the rendezvous). Miss Bennet was most concerned, for Elizabeth had spent the better part of the evening weeping in her arms, during which time she revealed your scheme, thinking it was too late for anyone to intervene in the surgery.

"But hear me now, Mr. Hampton," Darcy said, his voice low but clear. "I would rather pass the rest of my life in complete darkness than to be the instrument of unhappiness for that beloved lady. And so I shall."

A gasp from the doorway brought the men's attention to Anne de Bourgh as she stood staring unbelievingly at them. "Mr. Hampton?" she cried.

"You are free to go, sir," Darcy continued coldly. "Do have your bags packed and leave my home as soon as possible." To Miss de Bourgh he only bowed curtly and said, "Good day, cousin," as he walked carefully past her out of the room.

Anne stood a moment longer in the entrance, pale and silent, bearing in her hand a book the doctor had recommended to her. At length she said, in the longest utterance anyone of her acquaintance would have ever heard her string together - for her mother was not present to interrupt - "Mr. Hampton! You would have compelled Miss Bennet to marry you for the sake of Mr. Darcy? For shame, sir, for shame! I would never have believed you capable of such a thing; I thought you an honourable man!" Anne paused to draw breath, then choked out, her voice quivering, "I quite admired you, you know." And thrusting the volume into the doctor's hands, she turned and fled back upstairs.

The doctor was left standing alone in the breakfast room. He looked at the floor, deep in thought. For quite some time he stood there, absently rubbing the cover of the book he held, before giving a slow nod to no one and leaving the room in search of his erstwhile patient.

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